Washington University in St. Louis

What are WashU’s supplemental essay prompts?

Prompt #1

Please tell us what you are interested in studying at college and why. Undecided about your academic interest(s)? Don’t worry—tell us what excites you about the academic division you selected. Remember that all of our first-year students enter officially “undeclared” and work closely with their team of academic advisors to discover their academic passions. You can explore all of our majors and programs on our website. (250 words)

Prompt #2 – Beyond Boundaries Program

The Beyond Boundaries Program equips students with a set of tools to critically understand and make a difference in a complicated world where challenges require varied perspectives and skill sets. What is the big societal issue you would like to tackle? Who would you need on your team? How would the Beyond Boundaries Program support you to work with collaborative teams to address this issue? (250 words)

Prompt #3 – Joint Program in Business and Computer Science

Students in the Joint Program in Business and Computer Science will be equipped with the fundamental knowledge and perspectives of computer science and business and will have unique opportunities to converge these two disciplines. Tell us how you would use this combined degree to explore the intersection of these two disciplines. (250 words)

Optional Prompts

WashU values diversity of perspectives. Respond to one of the following prompts to help us understand who you are:

1. In St. Louis, For St. Louis: What is a community you are a part of and your place or impact within it? (250 words)

2. By Name & Story: How have your life experiences shaped your story? (250 words)

Optional Scholarship Prompts

Danforth Scholars Program: Share a specific example of how you have demonstrated a commitment to servant leadership and improving your community. (Max 100 words)

Ervin Scholars Program: Share a specific example of how you have taken action to champion diversity in your own life or community. (200-250 words)

Rodriguez Scholars Program: Share a specific example of how you have made a commitment to fostering cultural awareness and understanding. (200-250 words)